Part of this connection comes from coming together in one place to enjoy a film. Movie theaters are a community staple around the world, serving as a cultural and social center. Whether outside, in 3D, or inside a dome, each movie theater has its own charm that draws people to it.

New York's Alamo Drafthouse brings the bar to the cinema in the US.

Alamo Drafthouse is a movie theater and a bar.
Sarah Jacobs

Forget over-priced popcorn and soda, at Alamo Drafthouse, you'll find beer sourced from local breweries, curated movie menus and service right to your theater seat. Started in 1997, the US chain grew out of Austin, Texas, and works to provide moviegoers with a luxury experience, on top of a great movie.

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An old slaughterhouse finds new life at Cineteca Matadero in Madrid.

It's not every day that you can say you've watched a movie at a former slaughterhouse. A visit to Madrid, however, gives you just that with Cineteca Matadero. Featuring experimental films and documentaries, the Cineteca, is part of a contemporary creation center.

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Take in views of Greece's Acropolis at the Cine Thisio.

Outdoor movie theaters are a draw on their own, but Athenians get a special treat at Cine Thisio. Moviegoers face not only the screen but, also, the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Built in 1935, it's the oldest outdoor movie theater in Athens.

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Drive-ins have a whole new meaning at Walt Disney World.

At the Sci-Fi Drive In you can enjoy a drive in without all the work.
Courtesy of My Modern Met

Although a typical drive-in requires getting in your car and parking in a field, Disney World, in Orlando, Florida, does things a bit differently. Enter the park's Sci-Fi Dine-in theater to get the 1950's diner experience while watching clips of sci-fi movies. Visitors sit in old time cars as they enjoy their food and movie.

Forget seats, watch your movie from the comfort of a hot tub in the UK.

Started in London, Hot Tub Cinema invites people to watch an outdoor movie from one of a series of hot tubs. Moviegoers can either purchase individual tickets and share a hot tub with others or rent out a hot tub with friends for the showing. Drinking in the tubs in encouraged and there are waiters on hand to take your orders without ever leaving the water.

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The Castro Theater stands as a relic of old Hollywood.

Created in 1922, the Castro Theatre can be found in the heart of San Francisco. Featuring everything from sing-alongs to stage performances, the art deco designed building is a time capsule worth preserving, and visiting.

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Head to Norway to step inside the largest movie theater in Northern Europe.

Colosseum Kino is a theater that looks like a planetarium.
Wikimedia

Thanks to its dome structure, from a distance you may confuse the Colosseum Kino for a planetarium. In reality, the 888-seat theater is a wonder to view a movie inside, with said dome giving it spectacular acoustics.

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Feel like a palace guest at the Raj mandir Cinema.

These theater epitomizes elegance.
Wikimedia

When Rajmandir Cinema was being built, there was one clear goal: create a movie theater that epitomized style and elegance. The theater features ornate lighting fixtures and glamorous architecture. Interestingly, a natural floral scent is released through the air ducts to enhance the experience.

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Head to Australia to visit the world’s oldest outdoor cinema.

This silent movie theater has been around for over 100 years.
Sun Pictures

Sun Pictures opened on December 9, 1906, with a silent movie showing, and it's still around over 100 years later. Located in Broome, Australia, the theater is known to play multiple movies at once from its picture garden.

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Forget having to see over someone’s head at Uplink X, one of the smallest movie theaters in Japan.

This movie theater is designed for socializing.
Courtesy of Movie Theatre News

Featuring 10 different types of seating, visitors are encouraged to pick up their seats and move them around the theater to socialize. Comprised of only 40 seats, Uplink X has dubbed itself the smallest movie theater in Japan.

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Catch diverse perspectives of film in Chile.

It's a perfect place for artists.
Wikimedia

Since 1982, the Cine Arte Normandie has operated as a meeting place for artists and moviegoers to celebrate film. The theater screens films that tend to be outside commercial interests, featuring national and international offerings.